Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement

Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement

Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching for that next big contract or government tender - the Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and integrate into your current Safety Management System. If you don't have a Safety Management System, we need to talk, seriously, you don't need to be carrying that level of risk exposure in your business - we can help.

Look, we understand that business should be rewarding and not consumed by tedious red tape. The Safe Work Method Statement Template we create is in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality documents in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess on site conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Pre-use checks
  8. Loading of autoclave
  9. Operation
  10. Unloading autoclave
  11. Inspection
  12. On completion

The Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Get proper training on using the machine.
  2. Closely monitor the autoclave and Inspect and maintain the autoclave.
  3. Prepare for loading properly and load and unload the autoclave properly.

Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Immediate Download Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template.
  • Easy to customise - instructions included.
  • Referenced to AS/NZS (Standards) and Legislation. 
Need to edit your
Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement
$ 96.80 AUD
$ 96.80 AUD
Buy now

5 SWMS Pack

$86.50 each
$ 432.50 AUD
$ 432.50 AUD
Buy now

10 SWMS Pack

$76.50 each
$ 765.00 AUD
$ 765.00 AUD
Buy now

20 SWMS Pack

$65.50ea
$ 1,310.00 AUD
$ 1,310.00 AUD
Buy now

50 SWMS Pack

$55.50 each
$ 2,275.00 AUD
$ 2,275.00 AUD
Buy now

View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different industrial autoclave project as needed, making sure that your Industrial Autoclave SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Industrial Autoclave SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own industrial autoclave SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Industrial Autoclave SWMS such as: 

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Industrial Autoclave SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to industrial autoclave work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the industrial autoclave work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the industrial autoclave work being done.
  • Any changes added to the Industrial Autoclave SWMS after an incident or a near miss

Note: The Industrial Autoclave SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the industrial autoclave work is completed. Where the Industrial Autoclave SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement, the Industrial Autoclave SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident. 

Your Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

  • Does the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the industrial autoclave work outlined in the Industrial Autoclave SWMS involve diving work? 

Your Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the worksite, such as:

Your Industrial Autoclave SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as: 

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc

The Industrial Autoclave SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Industrial Autoclave SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to industrial autoclave work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Industrial Autoclave and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Industrial Autoclave SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

  1. All persons involved in the industrial autoclave work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Industrial Autoclave SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Industrial Autoclave SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the industrial autoclave work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Industrial Autoclave SWMS.

When preparing your Industrial Autoclave SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Industrial Autoclave.

When writing your Industrial Autoclave SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Industrial Autoclave in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

  • Health and Safety guidelines for industrial autoclave work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Industrial Autoclave SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Industrial Autoclave
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Industrial Autoclave SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Industrial Autoclave SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Industrial Autoclave operations
  • Ensure the Industrial Autoclave and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Industrial Autoclave SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Industrial Autoclave SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting industrial autoclave work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Industrial Autoclave SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented.

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with industrial autoclave and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the industrial autoclave work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct industrial autoclave work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting industrial autoclave work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Industrial Autoclave SWMS details
  5. If conducting Industrial Autoclave at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for industrial autoclave work

Industrial Autoclave Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Industrial Autoclave as well as any qualifications that may be required for various industrial autoclave projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must: 

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Industrial Autoclave SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Industrial Autoclave operations and industrial autoclave work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Industrial Autoclave SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Industrial Autoclave Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Inspect all seals and seating surfaces - corrosion, dirt or any other matter can affect the effective sealing of the autoclave door.
  • Keep all seals and seating surfaces clean.
  • Inspect all rubber seals for evidence of deterioration, wear, cuts or other physical damage which could allow the seal to leak under pressure.
  • Replace any worn or damaged seals. Use only proper replacements.
  • Ensure proper operation by inspecting all closing and locking mechanisms.
  • Do not use if closing or locking mechanisms are faulty.
  • Inspect all controls, valves and piping for evidence of leakage or damage.
  • Make sure that all gauges are operating properly.
  • Never use faulty equipment.
  • When placing items into confined work space, make sure proper manual handling practices are followed.
  • Make sure proper lifting practices are observed.
  • Make sure that the mechanical aids are operating correctly before using them to load items into autoclave.
  • Make sure that trolley wheels are lubricated and running freely.
  • Be careful when loading items into an autoclave that has been recently used to sterilise or treat items.
  • Be aware of hot surfaces.
  • It is necessary to wear hand protection.
  • Make sure there are no obstructions and debris on the sealing portion of door.
  • Keep seals and seating surfaces clean and free of debris.
  • Close door fully and check that the door is in correct position to seal.
  • Make sure that all clamping screws on door are fully and evenly tight. On units fitted with swing door, make sure that the locking ring is fully closed with a pinion before pressurising the unit.
  • Tighten screws evenly and make sure that the door is fully closed before pressurising the unit.
  • Open steam valve slowly, checking door seal for evidence of leaks.
  • Turn off and recheck if leaking.
  • Before opening the door, make sure that steam valve is fully off, and vent the chamber.
  • It is necessary to wear eye protection.
  • To avoid escaping steam and hot water, stand away from door when opening it.
  • It is necessary to wear foot protection.
  • All unplagged surfaces will be very hot avoid contact with unprotected skin.
  • It is necessary to wear hand protection.
  • Observe proper manual handling practices when removing items from confined and hot work space.
  • It is necessary to wear an apron.
  • Make sure proper lifting practices are being followed.
  • Allow only an authorised person to inspect an autoclave vessel.
  • External inspector 2 yrs experience; Internal inspector 4yrs experience.
  • Keep all seating or sealing surfaces clean and lubricated(where applicable). Check alignment of seating surfaces and doors.
  • Lubricate using high temperature rubber grease.
  • Check condition of door and locking ring lugs for evidence of undue stress and cracks at junctions of door or locking ring.
  • Never use if there is evidence of stress or cracking in door or locking ring.
  • Inspect locking ring and door wedges ensure full engagement when closed.
  • Never use if not closing fully.
  • Make sure the swing bolt doors do not have any missing or worn bolts, and washers not distorted.
  • Never use any faulty equipment.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.